With a history that spans one hundred years, mass spectrometry (MS) is one of the most widely used analytical techniques in bioscience and medical research. Since the development of the first modern mass spectrometer in 19181, the technique has advanced steadily over time and found its’ way into a range of applications from forensic toxicology […]
Prince, a three-year-old boy, is brought to the emergency room in Monrovia, Liberia, with fever and a decreased level of consciousness. He is critically ill. He is treated for malaria.
Molecular diagnostics now provides most laboratory tests in infectious disease and genetics, and an increasing number in oncology. Massively parallel methods allow sequencing of entire genomes, and sequence databases within and between species provide the information necessary to develop sensitive and specific diagnostic assays. Indeed, most microorganisms today are classified on the basis of sequence rather than phenotype.
When it comes to cancer detection and diagnosis – the earlier the better. Cancer that remains undiagnosed until it is within ‘advanced’ stages is harder to treat successfully, and a patient’s chances of survival are often much lower.
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